Force Measuring Exercise Device

ABSTRACT

A force measurement device has a motion dampening device having at least two ends. A first end is releasably engaged to a base frame and a second end is releasably engaged to a moveable member. A load cell is in communication with the motion dampening device. The load cell measures a force imparted by a user and the load cell registers the force to a display which depicts the registered force exerted by the user. A method for measuring the force a user imparts onto an exercise apparatus comprises the user imparting force onto a moveable member. The motion dampening device imparts a force substantially opposite to the user force and a load cell measures the force exerted by the user. The force is transmitted to a display wherein the display depicts the registered force imparted by the user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/314,690 filed on Mar. 29, 2016, entitled “Force Measuring Exercise Device” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to the field of exercise machines and more specifically to the field of exercise machines with incorporated analytics instruments.

2. Description of Related Art

Physical fitness and health concerns are among the areas of highest concern among American today. More than ever, people are frequenting health clubs and performing exercise routines at home in order to lose weight, improve muscle tone and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Many people resort to bench press style or squat style machines to work out arm and leg muscles respectively. Since these machines typically rely on lifting of dead weight, spotters are recommended for safety when working near the upper limit of the participant's ability. Should the user stay well below such weight limits, the maximum workout benefit is never realized. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which users of bench press style and squat style exercise equipment can safely determine their maximum weight limits without the disadvantages as described above. The use of the force measuring exercise device provides users the ability to determine their maximum workout limits for bench press and squat exercise routines in a manner that is not only quick, easy, and effective, but safe as well.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A force measurement device comprises a motion dampening device with at least two ends. A first end is releasably engaged to a base frame and a second is releasably engaged to one or more moveable members. A load cell is in communication with the motion dampening device and a display is in communication with the load cell. The load cell measures a force imparted by a user onto the one or more moveable members and the one or more moveable members transmit the force to the motion dampening device. The load cell registers the force and the display depicts the registered force.

In an embodiment, the base frame is a Smith machine. The base frame further comprises two or more vertical members releasably engaged to a moveable member. The vertical members permit the selectively guided movement of the one or more moveable members.

In an embodiment, motion dampening device may be spring biased, a hydraulic assembly, a pneumatic assembly, an electromagnetic assembly, or similar biased assembly against the users force.

In an embodiment, the load cell is disposed long a length of the motion dampening device.

In an embodiment, the load cell is releasably engaged to the motion dampening device.

A method for measuring the force imparted by a user onto an exercise apparatus comprising the steps of a user imparting a force onto one or more moveable members. A motion dampening device imparts a force substantially opposite the user force. A load cell measuring the force imparted by the user and transmitting the force to a display. The one or more moveable members transmit the force to the motion dampening device. The load cell registers the force and the display depicts the registered force.

In an embodiment, the motion dampening device of the method has a first and second end. The first end is releasably engaged to the base frame and the second end is releasably engaged to the one or more moveable members.

In an embodiment the base frame is a Smith machine. The base frame further comprises two or more vertical members releasably engaged to the moveable member. The vertical member permit the selectively guided movement of the one or more moveable members.

In an embodiment of the method, the load cell is disposed along a length of the motion dampening device while the display is suitably positioned in view of the user.

The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention, will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the ensuing descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings briefly described as follows.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the exercise force measuring device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the exercise force measuring device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the electronics enclosure, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a functional electrical diagram of the exercise weight limit determination device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the exercise weight limit determination device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the exercise weight limit determination device in a squat configuration, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a weight limit determination method, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention and their advantages may be understood by referring to FIGS. 1-7, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements. The invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention and that any such work around will also fall under the scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope.

In an embodiment, a base frame 15 is anchored to a surface. Herein, a base frame refers to an exercise apparatus as known in the art. A Smith machine is a preferred embodiment of the base frame 15. A first end 81 of a motion dampening device 80 is in communication with the base frame. A second end 82 of the motion dampening device is connected to a movable base frame 50. The motion-dampening device 80 is variably biased to prevent motion of the moveable base frame 50. In use, as the moveable base frame 80 travels along path t₄, the motion-dampening device 80 imparts increasing resistance onto the moveable base frame. The base frame and moveable base frame may be structured as part of an exercise machine. A load cell 75, such as a resistance strain gauge, is in communication with the motion-dampening device 80. Power is routed through a pair of resistors 130 before passing to the load cell 75. The resultant current readings are converted by the load cell 75 transmitted 135. A display 110 shows the force output by the user in a number of adjustable settings. The display shows an output force directly proportional to the force output by the user.

In an embodiment, an electrical resistance strain gauge is used. The electrical resistance strain gauge varies in resistance as force is exerted thereon. This allows for accurate real-time monitoring of force output to be shown on the display.

An exercise device may include friction machines, spring-loaded machines, fan loaded machines, hydraulic equipment, pneumatic exercise equipment, weight machine, machines using flexibly biased members, or any other exercise machine which has a means for imparting resistance on a user. Further, weight machines, described in this application as a base frame 15, may include, a Smith machine, bench press, squat machine, leg press, curl machine, and other resistance-based exercise machine.

In an embodiment, the force determining exercise device comprises a motion dampening device having a first end and second end, wherein the first end is releasably engaged to a base frame. A second end is releasably engaged to one or more selectively guided moveable members. The selectively guided moveable members are in communication with the base frame and allows for selectively guided movement once force is exerted onto it by the user. As the user moves the selectively guided moveable member the force exerted in a substantially opposite direction as the users force.

In an embodiment, an exercise the motion dampening device may be configured to exert a force bi-directionally. The imposition of resistance may occur in each direction. The speed of the selectably guided moveable member not limited by the device but only by the maximum force exerted by the user.

In reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the device and force measurement system are depicted in communication with a Smith machine. The Smith machine is comprised of a base frame 15 that stabilizes the movement of a moveable member 65 during use. In the Smith machine embodiment, a moveable member 65, in this embodiment a barbell, is releasably coupled to two or more vertical members 18. The vertical members 18 allow for the selectively guided movement of the moveable member 65 along the vertical members 18. A motion-dampening device 80, having at least two ends, has a first end 81 releasably engaged to the base frame 15 by a fastener. A second end 82 of the motion-dampening device 80 is releasably engaged to the moveable member 65. A load cell 75, for example a resistance strain gauge or likewise means for measuring force exerted, is in communication with the motion dampening device 80, such that as a user exerts a force on the moveable member 65, in this embodiment a barbell, resulting in the barbells' selectively guided movement along the vertical members 18, the force is measured by the load cell 75 and transmitted to a display 110. The display 110 is positioned on the base frame 15 such that the user may view the force being exerted in real-time throughout the exercise.

In use of the preferred embodiment of a Smith Machine, a user suitably positions themselves to exert a force on the releasably engaged barbell. A method for weight limit determination is described in FIG. 7. In step 10, the user imparts a force in a direction substantially similar to travel direction T₄ 71. In step 15 the motion-dampening device 80 imparts a force in a substantially opposite direction to the users force and opposite travel path T₄ 71. In step 20, the change in resistance is measured by the load cell 75, which is transmitted as a force output to the display 110 in step 25. The display is in view of the user throughout the exercise and shows the real-time force output of the user throughout one or more repetitions of the exercise. In an embodiment, each repetition as well as each change in force during each repetition is displayed to the user.

In an embodiment, the digital display is releasably mounted to the exercise apparatus allowing the user to move the digital display such that it is visible during various exercises.

In an embodiment, an isometric exercise machine is used. Any suitably rigid material may be used that is capable of being slightly deformed within its elastic limit when a force is imparted by a user. When the user imparts a force on the suitably rigid member, a bending beam strain gauge in communication with the suitably rigid member analyzes the force output by the user. The suitably rigid member may include any suitable gripping surface, or additional gripping member.

In an embodiment, the user may utilize auxiliary exercise equipment in addition to the force measuring device and the base frame, which it is in communication with. This auxiliary equipment may be a bench surface 30, additional elastic bands, balancing equipment, medicine balls, exercise balls, or others known in the art.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a detailed view of the electronics enclosure 85, as used with the device 10, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The electronics enclosure 85 includes a housing 100 envisioned to be manufactured of plastic or metal. The face of the housing 100 is provided with a power switch 105 and a digital display 100. The power switch 105 is used to apply electrical power to the device 10 (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) in a customary manner. The digital display 110 is then used to display the respective weight. A mode switch 115 allows the user to select between display of pounds or kilograms depending on the desired usage. Finally, a memory switch 120 allows the user to retrieve past saved readings for historical purposes.

The digital display 110 shows the force output by the user. As the user completes the exercise, a maximum output force will be displayed in pounds, kilograms, or other units as selected by the user. In an embodiment, the force output is shown in real-time, so that the user known how much force they are exerting at a given time.

Referring to FIG. 4, a functional electrical diagram of the device 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is depicted. Electrical power is provided by a direct current power source 125 such as a user replaceable battery or a wall mounted DC power supply. Power application to the electrical circuit is controlled by the power switch 105. Power is then routed through a pair of resistors 130 before being passed to the load cell 75, in this embodiment a bending beam strain gauge. Resultant current readings are then converted by a strain gauge transmitter 135 before passing to a computer based controller 140. The computer-based controller 140 is envisioned as a manufacturer programmable microcontroller such as Arduino, basic stamp module, programmable logic controller (PLC) or the like. The mode switch 115 and the memory switch 120 provide user selectable inputs to the computer-based controller 140 thus allowing the appropriate readout upon the digital display 110.

In an embodiment, a digital processor comprises a stored program means for retaining methods for at least one of a standard magnitude of force to be exerted by a user, a standard magnitude of force to be exerted by a user, and a standard number of repetitions of cyclical force exertion by the user. Any one or combination of the above-mentioned methods may be used to display corresponding exercise force, repetition, and magnitude data to the user.

In reference to FIG. 5, a front view of the exercise weight limit determination device in a bench press configuration, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The device 10 includes a base frame 15 designed for resting on a floor surface 20 such as the floor of a home or gym. Such a device 10 may preferably be based off of a typical or conventional gym equipment, such as a Smith machine, or other weight lifting apparatus. The floor surface 20 is approximately eighteen inches (18 in.) wide and forty-four inches (44 in.) long. A series of four (4) rubber feet 25 (only three (3) of which are shown due to illustration limitations) provide isolation and protection against damage. A padded bench surface 30 is supported by two (2) removable legs 35. It is envisioned that the removable legs 35 are held in place by a friction fit. It is removed by lifting upward as shown by a travel path t₁ 40. A travel path t₁ 40 is located at the top of the base frame 15 and extends upward for a distance of approximately forty-eight inches (48 in.). The travel path t₁ 40 is permanently attached to the base frame 15 by bolting or welding. A movable base frame 50 is attached to the upper portion of the main vertical frame 45 by means of a pivot point 55. A “U”-shaped frame 60 complete with two (2) handle grips 65 is provided at proximal end of the movable base frame 50. The movable base frame 50, the “U”-shaped frame 60, and the handle grips 65 move along a travel path t₂ 70, as propelled by a user performing a conventional bench press exercise routine. Resistance against said motion along the travel path t₂ 70 is provided by a bending beam stain gauge 75 and a motion-dampening device 80. It is envisioned that the motion dampening device 80 would be of a spring and cable style device as shown, however types of resistance dampening device such as pneumatic based, hydraulic based, or even weight based could be utilized with equal effectiveness, and as such, any particular type or style of motion dampening device 80 should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present invention. Finally, an electronic enclosure 85 is located atop the main vertical frame 45 where it can be easily viewed by a user. Further detail on the electronics enclosure 85 will be provided herein below.

In reference to FIG. 6, a front view of the device 10 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. In said configuration, the padded bench surface 30 (as shown in FIG. 5) and the removable legs 35 (as shown in FIG. 5) are removed. In its place, a floor support member 90 is placed upon the base frame 15. The floor support member 90 is provided with two (2) support feet 95 at its outer ends. All other actions and function of the device 10 remain in place and perform as described in FIG. 1. The configuration of FIG. 6 allows the user to perform squat exercises by standing on the floor support member 90 and pushing upward on the U-shaped frame 60 and handle grips 65 along the travel path t₂ 70. Resistance to such movement is provided by the load cell 75, such as a bending beam strain gauge and displayed in a digital format upon the electronics enclosure 85. This allows the user to determine the amount of force or subject weight that can be safely utilized without the dangers associated with actual weight or machine generated force. The user may continue exercise routines upon the device 10 with improved weight level workouts over time, or may take the knowledge afforded by the electronics enclosure 85 and safely use other workout machines.

In an embodiment, resistance is provided by a motion dampening device 80 such as a spring, hydraulic, or likewise component against the users movement. As the user applies force to the spring or hydraulic, the resistance device exerts a force back onto the user, until equalization of maximum forces occurs and the user can no longer compress the resistance device. The motion-dampening device 80 is biased towards the user and onto the moveable base frame, the bias force increases as the user pushes along travel path t₂ 70. This force is measured by a load cell 75, or other means of force measurement known in the art. Once the force has been measured, the users maximum output is displayed by the digital display 110 shown in FIG. 3. The device 10 may be designed to facilitate the use of a tension spring, compression spring, or other resistance-imparting device as known in the art.

In alternate embodiments which utilize different exercise machines, the motion dampening device exerts a force onto the member in contact and under force exerted by the user.

The common user can utilize an embodiment of the present invention in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. It is envisioned that the device 10 would be constructed in general accordance with FIG. 1 through FIG. 4. After procurement of the device 10 it would be set upon a suitable floor surface 20 as found in a home or gym environment. The user would then select to use the device 10 in either a bench press configuration (as shown in FIG. 5), or a squat configuration (as shown in FIG. 6). The user would insert the padded bench surface 30 and removable legs 35 for bench press use or the floor support member 90 for squat use. The user would then turn on the power switch 105 and select the proper operating mode via the mode switch 115. At this point the device 10 is ready for use.

During the use of the device 10, the user would simply perform either bench press motions or squat motions in a conventional manner. As the user exerts a force onto the motion dampening device, the force will be transformed to a unit of weight that will be digitally displayed. Every effort should be made to provide the maximum but safe exertion level such that a proper measurement can be made. Upon completion of such exercises, the user can simply read off the maximum safe lifting level or weight on the digital display 110. Said levels can be stored in the computer-based controller 140 for later recall. At this point in time, the power switch 105 would be turned off. Such actions could be repeated in a circular manner at any time.

In an embodiment, the user may perform multiple repetitions of the exercise. In turn, the force exerted during each repetition is saved in a memory of the device. After the exercise is complete, the user may then cycle through each previously performed repetition to analyze force output over each individual repetition. In this manner, the user can determine a maximum load for a single repetition, as well as maximum load over varying intervals of time and/or repetitions.

The invention has been described herein using specific embodiments for the purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the principles of the invention can be embodied in other ways. Therefore, the invention should not be regarded as being limited in scope to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but instead as being fully commensurate in scope with the following claims. 

I claim:
 1. A force measurement device comprising: a. a base frame; b. a motion dampening device having at least two ends, wherein a first end is releasably engaged to the base frame, and wherein a second end is releasably engaged to one or more moveable members; c. a load cell in communication with the motion dampening device; and d. a display in communication with the load cell, wherein the load cell measures a force imparted by a user onto the one or more moveable members, wherein the one or more moveable members transmit the force to the motion dampening device, wherein the load cell registers the force, and wherein the display depicts the registered force.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the base frame is a Smith machine.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the base frame further comprises two or more vertical members releasably engaged to the moveable member, wherein the vertical members permit the selectively guided movement of the one or more moveable members.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the motion dampening device is a spring biased against the users force.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the motion dampening device is a hydraulic assembly against the users force.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the motion dampening device is a pneumatic assembly biased against the users force.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the motion dampening device is an electromagnetic assembly biased against the users force.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the load cell is disposed along a length of the motion dampening device.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the load cell is releasably engaged to the motion dampening device.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the display is suitably mounted in view of the user.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the display is releasably mounted to the base frame.
 12. The device of claim 1, wherein the base frame is a weighted resistance machine.
 13. A method for measuring the force imparted by a user onto an exercise apparatus comprising the steps of: a. a user imparting a force onto one or more moveable members; b. a motion dampening device imparting a force substantially opposite the user force; c. a load cell measuring the force imparted by the user; and d. transmitting the force to a display, wherein the one or more moveable members transmit the force to the motion dampening device, wherein the load cell registers the force, and wherein the display depicts the registered force.
 14. The method of claim 13 further comprising a base frame.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the motion dampening device has a first and a second end, wherein the first end is releasably engaged to the base frame, and wherein the second end is releasably engaged to the one or more moveable members.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the base frame is a Smith machine.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the base frame further comprises two or more vertical members releasably engaged to the moveable member, wherein the vertical members permit the selectively guided movement of the one or more moveable members.
 18. The method of claim 13, wherein the load cell is disposed along a length of the motion dampening device.
 19. The method of claim 13, wherein the display is suitably positioned in view of the user. 